Washington state Congressman Rick Larsen joined 11 other U.S. representatives this week in calling for continued federal support for Pacific coastal salmon recovery.

Larsen, D-Bellingham, Wash-2nd District, is among a dozen West Coast congressional leaders seeking renewal of $65 million for improving salmon habitat in the Pacific Northwest in 2015. Congress appropriated a similar amount for 2014.

In a letter to ranking members of a House appropriations committee, the coalition of West Coast U.S. representatives note that Pacific salmon is a critical species for the Northwest economy and environment.

The letter is presented below:

Dear Representatives Wolf and Fattah:

We are writing to thank you for including $65 million in the recently approved Omnibus Appropriations bill for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF), and to assure you that these funds are being put to good use in restoring a vital resource in our states.

We ask you to continue this support by providing $65 million for this successful program in FY 2015.  Your support for this program has resulted in impressive accomplishments in local and state salmon recovery efforts.

A true partnership between the federal government, states, localities and private citizens has helped to catalyze thousands of restoration and conservation projects in the region. Under PCSRF, the National Marine Fisheries Service provides competitive funding to the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, and Nevada, and tribes of the Pacific Coast region to implement habitat restoration and recovery projects that contribute to the sustainability of the species.

Over the evolution of this program, NOAA Fisheries Service, states, tribes and local project managers have developed an integrated approach to track progress, measure performance, and ensure accountability. This program directly supports jobs and provides economic benefits to the communities throughout the region.

Continued commitment, collaboration and resources are required to achieve the overarching goal of full recovery and sustainability. The restoration and protection of our fisheries resources are vitally important to our economies, our states, and to the nation.

This is a challenging endeavor and we appreciate your continued support for PCSRF.